Wine Advisor
Araujo, Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2004
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Previously recommended, but no tasting note given. Despite having over 40-plus acres of vineyards in the northeasterly sector of Napa just south of Calistoga, the production at Araujo remains relatively limited, with the flagship wine, the Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard, producing between 1,600 and 2,200 cases of wine, and the second wine, the Altagracia, between 800 and 1,200 cases. Add to that another 1,000 cases of Sauvignon Blanc and 300-400 cases of Syrah, and there is just not a lot to go around given the greatness that can be achieved from this vineyard. Much of the credit has to go to proprietors Bart and Daphne Araujo and, of course, their top-notch winemaking team, which has always been led by Francoise Peschon. Araujo’s second wines are among the finest second wines consumers will find in northern California. For example, the Altagracia cuvees, which represent 25-35% of the production, have been outstanding examples of Cabernet Sauvignon. Araujo has done an excellent job with Syrah, which they typically co-ferment with 3-4% Viognier. Sadly, only 300-400 cases are produced. Tel. (707) 942-6061; Fax (707) 942-6471
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
A blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot, the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard (sadly, only 1,200 cases) is a stunner. From a slightly earlier harvest than the 2003, it exhibits wonderful sweetness as well as subtle hints of a charcoal fire intermixed with acacia flowers, licorice, black currants, and a touch of incense. Dense and rich with well-integrated acidity, tannin, and alcohol, this is an atypically elegant offering. (The finest 2004 Napa Cabernets tend to be flamboyant and fruit-forward, but rarely elegant.) It should drink well young, and evolve for 15-20 years. Not yet released. Tel. (707) 942-6061; Fax (707) 942-6471
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard shows surprisingly more tannin than the 2005. Perhaps it is at the stage where it has been in the bottle for about a year and is beginning to shut down ever so slightly. A blend of 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, the wine has a dense ruby/purple color and some sweet and spicy notes intermixed with white chocolate, black currant, crushed rock, and some underbrush and floral scents. It is medium to full-bodied, firmly structured, and reminiscent of a top first- or second-growth Bordeaux because of the tannin structure and austerity. It is an interesting, almost atypical wine for this vintage in Napa, but the Eisele Vineyard is a world unto its own, so I am not actually surprised. Remarkably, the 2005, which usually comes across as a more Bordeaux-styled vintage, is actually softer than this 2004, at least for now. One of California’s and the world’s great wine estates, Araujo continues to exhibit remarkable consistency and impeccably high quality. Little seems to change other than some minor tweaking with respect to viticulture and winemaking. The team of Bart and Daphne Araujo, their talented longtime winemaker, Francoise Peschon, and the globe-trotting oenologist, Michel Rolland, are to be commended on the extraordinary elegance of these wines. Previously recommended: 2003 Altagracia (93), 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard (98), 2003 Syrah Eisele Vineyard (94). Tel. (707) 942-6061; Fax (707) 942-6471
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
A projected blend of the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon Eisele Vineyard may be tweaked before bottling, but at present it offers wonderful aromas of charcoal, burning embers, black currants, white flowers, sweet licorice, and subtle oak. Opulent and dense, with great fruit, purity, and elegance, it is gorgeously proportioned and impeccably well-balanced. There is a lot of praise to go around at this impeccably run winery located southeast of Calistoga. Proprietors Bart and Daphne Araujo have set the bar high, and they have the requisite talent in their winemaking team, led by Francoise Peschon and consulting oenologist Michel Rolland. In short, they have the resources to do whatever they can from this fabulous site. Production is still small because they insist on an incredibly strict selection, rarely producing more than 2,000 cases from their 40 acres of vineyards. (Release date 9/07) Tel. (707) 942-6061; Fax (707) 942-6471
About the Producer
Araujo produces four wines regularly: the Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon; the Altagracia Bordeaux blend that also contains fruit from other Napa Valley vineyards: as well as small volumes of Eisele Vineyard Syrah; as well as a Sauvignon Blanc. In some years, Araujo also produces an Eisele Vineyard Viognier.
